Diljit Dosanjh speaks out on Satluj movie row during Delhi concert

Diljit Dosanjh addressed the controversy surrounding his film Satluj during his Aura India Tour opening show in New Delhi. On stage, the singer-actor told the audience he remains supportive of his fans and the people of Punjab. He also defended the project and the long struggle to bring it to viewers.

Movie Details

Directed by Honey Trehan, the biographical film focuses on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, with Diljit playing the lead part. The project was first called Ghallughara, then renamed Punjab '95, before finally releasing as Satluj. The story follows Khalra's investigation into the alleged secret burning of thousands of unknown bodies in Punjab during the early 1990s. Khalra was abducted and killed in September 1995, and his body was thrown into the Sutlej River.

Release Struggles

The film faced major certification hurdles with the Central Board of Film Certification, which initially asked for 21 cuts and a new title. After makers challenged these demands, the proposed edits rose to 127, causing theatrical release dates to be delayed. The movie briefly appeared on ZEE5 in July 2026 under the title Satluj, but the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered its removal from the platform in India within 48 hours.

Context

Biographical films dealing with sensitive political history often face strict censorship checks and public debate in India. The Central Board of Film Certification reviews films before release to ensure they meet public exhibition guidelines. Streaming platforms must also follow government directions regarding content availability within the country.